Episode 51 Strictly - It Takes Two

Musicals Week produced one show stopper after another and if it's

an encore you're after you've come to the right place.

Sadly, one couple had to bow out early but they'll be getting

a glowing review from us, it's Judge Rinder and Oksana!

Also joining us tonight, she's got the best top

line in the business, it's Darcey Bussell!

Now, it was a quarter final musical extravaganza at the weekend

and our It Takes Two elves slipped in through the stage door

Curtains up, it is Musicals Week. It is the quarterfinals and everyone is

bringing their best. I am no good at that thigh slapping, acting musical

stuff. Week 11, calamity Jane. The music, the costume, everything goes

up a notch. It is genuinely magic. I am not cool. That's why you have the

jackets, as soon as he put it on, you are cool. It has to be so

precise. I did fall in practice. It was only a little fall. Musicals

week is hard for the costumes department. We are all a bit

frantic. I have been turned into a Green, of wicked witch. How long did

that take you? About 40 minutes, 20 minutes with just my hands. When I

signed up for Strictly come I thought I would look pretty. Now I

am a pretty lion. They are letting him sing. This is a good thing,

right? I am so excited. I have got to make some words come out. Mary

Poppins. Beauty and the beast. Who is the beast? I am not sure how many

people knew Anton could sing. They will all be very shocked. Five

minutes until we go live. Five minutes until we go live. This is my

job. You are in my favourite shirts. Seven! Bros. What a disappointment.

It is showtime, so let's welcome our Strictly stars.

After 11 weeks of pure unadulterated joy,

Before we close this case let's have a quick

reminder of Judge Rinder and Oksana's last dance.

Rob just said, don't make me cry. But I think I have gone already. Let

it out. Don't hold it in. What a night. You saucy mover. It was

brilliant. I love it your Samba. We loved it, I thought it is going to

be a challenging week, so I thought let's have fun. We really did. It

was the first week I wasn't nervous at all. Somebody I loved in my life

who had passed away and earlier in the day I got a text message saying

this was her favourite song. Something that happened, the Alchemy

changed and the moment the music came on, I just had the most fun I

possibly could. The energy of the audience, the nice thing about the

programme, you feel it here, you feel if they do, every person in the

show. The runners that run after you all day, casting, to everybody. The

love and passion permeate into the show. People don't sit there and

want you to do badly. They are willing you to do well. That is what

it felt like and it was the most fun. Your friend was with you in

spirit. She would have been very proud. Oksana, bless you. I will try

to talk to you in a cruel fashion. It is your favourite dance, the

Samba? It was. And since we had to go, it was a great dance to go out

on. It was very good. You looked beautiful, even beautiful crying.

Did you feel it might be coming, bottom two last week. When it is

down to only five, it is tough. Sure, there is a strong possibility

we would end up in the dance off. There was a good chance of it. Look

at the level, it was the strongest. Something you can feel proud of,

looking at where you have come from? The first week, she looked at me and

the first day going, goodness me, what on earth are we going to do. I

am a big fan of the show, a big fan of this programme and I used to

listen to people talking about their journey and think, goodness. But

genuinely, that is what we have been through. I said it every week and I

meant it from the bottom of my heart. She has taught me. She has

taught me to love dancing and held my hand the whole time. When

somebody teaches you to love something, you never forget that. It

is such a generous thing to do. I have loved every minute of it. I am

sure people have responded to it. They really have a lot of love in

the room for you tonight. I can see people with tears in their eyes. I

know how much you love Darcey Bussell and she is on later tonight.

She did say on that Saturday, you are such an individual and she loves

what you do. Everybody got such joy from watching you perform each week.

I think if you put 100% into anything, do it with authenticity

and enthusiasm, that really comes through. One of the things I don't

think people know, it has been such a challenge for Oksana. It has been

a struggle for her to find time. You tried to teach something you know

how to do in five minutes and you will spend a week with somebody. I

keep making the same mistake. Imagine having that degree of

patience, generosity of spirit, laughter and want to share that? I

am working full time most of the time, we sometimes start at 7am and

finish at nine p.m.. So often she isn't able to start teaching until

9:30pm until sometimes 12 o'clock at night. By which point you have spent

the best of your energy. He keeps it for dancing. We have loved watching

you. I said it on Saturday night, I will say it again, I watch this show

and I am a fan of it. You have no idea as to what goes into it, and

you can feel the passion. It is such a joy. Don't start me off!

Well, you've certainly done your community service

because the nation was well and truly entertained for 11 weeks.

Let's take a look at your Strictly Story.

Your partner is... Oksana she is going to be a taskmaster, which I am

thrilled by. Robert needs to be careful what he wishes for. Oksana,

gosh. You are late. You need a time-out right now. Facial

expressions darling you really need to look at that. That was the while

the surprise I think I ever had. This week is the American Smooth.

Oksana will make sure I get the frame right. This is crazy, who

stands like this. It is like that Marge to a statue. Look at your

face, it still annoying. I love that place. Always funny and great to

watch. I am completely falling in love with dancing. It is quite

surprising. Your facial expressions are on the top, darling and

improving. There is a delicious dancer hidden underneath all that.

Full of energy and enthusiasm. That was as tight as a beautiful boy's

cheek. Just before I am about to dance, I think to myself, Robert, do

try and not look like a Laurent. You have come out again as strong,

powerful and meaningful. -- Laurent. I think I got the best partner in

the whole competition. I struggle to find the adjectives to describe

Oksana. My God, I am welling up. Every time we dance together, I am

just happy about the work. She is extraordinary. This week is a F, I

decided to do Strictly for this dance. It is the dance I did with my

grandma years ago. You should be proud. Your best dance. It is an

nine. Getting an nine from Len, meant the world. We are a great

team. Judge Rinder really can shake it. It is Blackpool, you have got to

pull it out of the bag. You were spicier and hotter than a scotch

bonnet. What a way to end a fantastic night. This is the Rumba,

I was apprehensive about it. The technique has to be quite right.

Judge Rinder has an interesting way he holds his hands. It is natural to

him. I am going to tape them like this. It looks a bit awkward. You

didn't look as steady on your feet, it wasn't your best dance. In the

dance off is Judge Rinder and Oksana. We brush ourselves off and

we are ready to do the samba this week. Strictly is like nothing I can

describe. It is euphoria with glittery jazz hands.

A little bit stilted. I've got to say, fantastic energy. Your hip

action, darling. Your bottom was bouncing for Brazil. Judges, it's

time to decide. I would like to save Ore and Joanne. Ore and Joanne.

Thank you so much. I had an incredible time and I'm especially

grateful for making this partnership happen.

It's so beautiful. 11 amazing dancers. Something lovely Rob said

every week, always talked about you being a great teacher, what is the

key to being the teacher in this experience, Oxon? First, he taught

me how to play piano. You're joking, ring in the organ, give us a tune! I

wanted to learn how difficult it was to teach something to somebody that

you know how to do and it was tough, I lasted half an hour. He wanted me

to understand what it felt like to learn something that you don't know

how to do. No, but so much. I guess I can say, doesn't matter how late

it is, how tired he is, how frustrated both of us are, the

respect and complete dedication to being at the moment and taking every

word that I say, he did it. Well done, you. Goodness me. When you

look back at all those dances, you were so good at so many of them,

foxtrot, could you pick out a standout moment? Two, the jive I

think was our game changed, I learned how to count. And that was

the week I really understood, everything clicked into place, like

learning a language. Exactly so. And I loved the foxtrot of course. What

was not on there so much was the quickstep. The best thing every week

was when you get to the end of the dance and it has gone well. I

described it as euphoria but it is this sort of joy, it renders me and

articulate. It could power the world. It was just heaven. And I'm a

very stiff upper lip kind of guy. If you'd told me two years ago that I'd

get weepy over a dance competition, I'd have said, don't be such a mini,

Robert. But I've been completely invested in it. Because when you are

with somebody like that, what more can you do? You have been such a

joy, the two of you, one of my favourite partnerships. Well done,

thank you so, so much, Judge Rinder and Oksana. Beautiful. Like a wise

man once said. Don't ask me which one.

Like a wise man once said, don't ask me who -

failure doesn't come from falling down.

Failure comes from not getting back up.

And with that I give you Melvin and Janette's latest

Hello and welcome to the chart show. Stay tuned as we count down some of

our favourite moments. And what are we counting down today, Melvin? We

are counting down our top five Strictly recoveries. These are the

pros and celebs that came close to crashing out of the competition

literally but they pulled it back and some even collided. Kicking

things off, Caroline Flack and passion with their American Smooth

which was so smooth it was almost slippy. Talk about styling it out.

You drifted across the floor like smoke through the keyhole. You

almost fell over, darling, that was a little unexpected. Weeks later she

is scored three perfect 40s in the final and was the series 12

champion. Slip, what's left? Taking number four, Lisa Riley and Robin

Windsor. Their foxtrot went down brilliantly with the judges, you

would have thought they were home and dry. That was your best dance.

But wait. It wasn't even a celeb that had to recover. Proof that a

little stumble doesn't stop you from going all the way to be the top,

Lisa Riley was semifinalist. Who's laughing now. Mark Ramprakash in

series four made series history. Dancing and energetic routine, their

salsa seemed to be going well. Until. The microphones became

entangled with the costumes and Karen had to stop the dance,

desperately begging Bruce to let them have another go. Is it all

right for to have another go? They were allowed to start again. Second

time definitely lucky. You turned out down a triumph. Hot enough to

cause global warming. Well done. They scored four nines and later

went on to become Strictly champions. Just missing out on top

spot, Zoe Ball and Ian White who made it all the way to the final in

series three, and performed a flamenco Showdance inspired by West

side story. They started so well but one of the rival pro dancers must

have left a banana skin outcome this happened. Even with a slide across

the floor, their dance impressed the judges. I would have expected

nothing less. Taking the number one spot, the biggest of all recoveries.

In the opening show of series eight Kara took a mighty fall in the

beginning of her cha-cha-cha routine. She just kept on dancing.

Even with the fall they walked away with an impressive score. That's not

bad for the first dance. I got 36 for my first dance. Melvin, I was

there, remember. Oh yeah. Back to Cara. Meow, Catwoman, come and take

me. Even with the mistake, still the best dance of the night. Cara picked

herself up, dusted herself down and went on to be crowned series eight

champion. Thanks so much for joining us for the cha-cha-cha Chart show.

And we'll see you next time. I think I'm getting much better value at

this thing. I'm going to take your job soon.

I'm still laughing at Ian falling over.

Now, my final guest this evening is often described

It's the positively floral, Miss Darcey Bussell!

When you are here I automatically sit up straight.

Our couples pulled out all the stops, for Musicals Week -

My goodness, they did rise to the level. Big productions, props. The

lighting, music and everything came together. It was quite emotional

actually. I found it emotional and did not want it to end. Like West

side story, I was in absolute pieces. They all care so much at

this point, hard not to get nervous. You took part in the big opening,

and it was very complicated. How much time did you get? I didn't do

much, I did a little spin. Sat in a gondola. As you do. No, it was a lot

of fun but I had more fun watching everybody else. We get two seconds

where we were slotted in because we are often doing other feet is for

the next show coming up and stuff. So it was a chaotic Saturday but

very exciting, you could feel the buzz. The nervous, very much so.

We lost your biggest fan, Judge Rinder, last night.

So emotional, there. I think, to watch him, he loved every minute.

And you could see it oozing out of his skin. His smile and his mouth as

well. I think if anybody he could have done more, he would have wanted

to do every hour of the day and sadly he didn't have that

opportunity. I spoke to him a little bit for and he said there were so

many dances he still wanted to do, and it is so tough. I'm sure Oksana

will teach him on the site, they have a beautiful friendship. The

semifinalists, are they the four you were expecting? Yes, very happy.

It's going to be really hard this weekend, those. It's going to be

tough. Because they are all excellent, really excellent. All for

different reasons, different strengths. Yeah, really good mix as

well. Interesting you say that. We know you are a fan of a topline.

I'm going to list each of our couples and I want

you to give us your top line on each of them.

Well, he has charisma, he is like the 007 of Strictly, I think is

quite understated but very surprising always. Incredibly

focused and I think what's brilliant is he is a quick learner and you can

still tell. She's utterly fearless. Which is so

rare to see. I think that her focus and training from gymnastics,

extraordinary to watch. She is supple and strong. But so precise.

She loves the technique. Musicality. Lyrical. But she also

has this great jazz style that's really fab. Her character comes out

and she enjoys what she's doing. It depends on her confidence and how

she believes in the role. But 20 does it just flourishes.

There's not really any style that he can't do. He is so unusual. There's

usually one that always difficult for a celebrity, but he doesn't seem

to have that. The Latin really suits him. He has an unbelievable focus

and determination as soon as he's that stage. His eyes don't waver.

You know sometimes when they noticed think he doesn't waver. In the

studio his focus is extraordinary. Their contact and how they relate

to, sometimes it's kind of too much detail. I'd like it to be simpler.

But really quite impressive. All for couples and credible. So many of our

wonderful viewers have written in questions for you

Craig would like to know: is there a dance you regret

well, yes. I think it's always hard at the very beginning when you see

such talent and somebody doing such a great job. If you give them high

marks, where do you go from there? There's not 15. Definitely with

Danny, week four in his quickstep. Was that when he was the conductor?

I absolutely loved it. It was brilliant. He just looked the part

and fell into it so naturally. And it was a shame we didn't give him

ten. If he gets to the final, maybe we'll see it again.

Jess wants to know, which celebrities you'd like to see

Anyone you'd like to see step up and give it a go? After having Ed Balls

I think we need to have Boris Johnson. I don't know if we could

handle that. I love it. That hair. Lets see if we can make that happen.

Hannah would like to know: who is the celebrity that

you were the most sorry to say goodbye to this year?

Well always all of them. When you get to the end it's the people you

get to know even more because they get further and you see them

improve. I suppose it would be Robert, Judge Rinder. Because his

love for it. Not just because he's in the room, he's gone now. I think

because totally, you could see, he was genuinely loving every minute.

And it came out in his dancing instantly.

And finally, eight year old Hermione's favourite thing

Do you remember how old you were when you did your first cartwheel?

Well, I was a bit into my gymnastics as I think I've said before. And I

had too much energy and I would cart wheel from a very young age, I think

I remember, maybe it was six or something. It's really funny because

my oldest daughter was exactly the same, she would cartwheel down

corridors, into her bedroom and into the bathroom. I was like, how do you

do that in this space? Brilliant questions and a beautiful lady.

Thank you for coming to see us. For the last time this series,

give it up for Darcey Bussell! Join us tomorrow at 6:30pm

where we'll chatting to the couple who got

the last golden ticket Plus, Karen Hardy is back

in Choreography Corner, the Strictly Pro Challenge continues

with Latin Sensation Janette Manrara, and choreographer

extraordinaire Jason Gilkison I went on television in

the January of 1975.